1988 Rolex Day Date Seafoam Stella Diamond Dial Ref. 18049

The Seafoam Stella – no, not Tiffany

Stella dials are among the more distinctive variations of the Day-Date. Introduced in the early 1970s, these lacquered enamel dials were produced in a wide range of colors — from red, orange, oxblood, green, turquoise, coral, salmon, yellow, lilac, pink, seafoam and deep blue — offering a clear contrast to the more traditional tones usually seen on the model. They remained relatively niche at the time, but today are appreciated for their depth of color and the individuality each shade brings.

The Rolex Day-Date reference 18049 seen here features the Seafoam Stella dial, one of the softer and less frequently encountered colors within the spectrum. Even after years of focusing on Stella dials, this is a tone that tends to surface only occasionally, often with long gaps between examples. The watch is cased in white gold and fitted with a factory diamond-set bezel, adding a touch of presence while keeping the overall look balanced and refined.

The case remains in strong condition with well-defined edges, and is paired with a President bracelet that complements the overall design. The combination of white gold, diamond bezel and the Seafoam diamond dial gives the watch a slightly more elevated feel without losing the understated proportions that define the Day-Date.

The Seafoam tone has a very particular character on the wrist. It shifts gently depending on the light, at times appearing soft, pastel-toned and understated, and at others more vivid and exotic. It is a loud color that carries enough presence to stand apart from more common Stella shades — an exotic and attractive dial that is guaranteed to catch attention.